Hina Matsuri

Today I went to a Hina Matsuri (or Girls' Day) celebration with some other Navy wives and some lovely Japanese women who hosted us.  This display greeted when we walked in...

Then we walked into the dining room area where they had the tables set for us and a huge table full of delicious homemade food.  Not only did they make this food for us, they also served us!  They were so very kind and generous.

As we were seated at the tables (like we are used to), the Japanese ladies sat on the floor, like they are accustomed to doing.

The room was decorated with traditional Girls' Day decorations, beautiful mobiles. They are made with kimono scraps and each item symbolizes something different. Such as the chicken represents having several kids.

The best part of the day was the dancing.  They did a traditional Japanese dance for us and a few of the wives joined in. I was taking pictures! :)

I loved that a few of the women wore their kimonos .

Then, the ladies wanted us to do a dance for them... so what did we choose, but the famous "Hokey Pokey."  We had a super fun time and they loved doing the dance with us!

We had a wonderful time and the ladies were so sweet. Their food was delicious and it was so fun to celebrate a traditional Japanese holiday with them!